More than 26,000 people have joined the Pride parade through central London.

The annual march, now in its 45th year, marks 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales.

The colourful parade took a 1.4-mile (2km) route through the city, starting at Portland Place and taking in Oxford Circus, Regent Street and ending at Whitehall.

A rainbow flag has been projected on to the Palace of Westminster for the first time in celebration of the event.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told crowds at Trafalgar Square the event was the "best antidote to sorrow".

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The march, now in its 45th year, marks 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales

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Tens of thousands of people have turned out for the celebration

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The Pride celebration has been running since 24 June

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There is expected to be one million people in attendance

He said: "We've had a horrible last few weeks. We've had terror, we've had tragedy.

"You know what the best antidote to sorrow, the best antidote to sadness, to bereavement, to hatred, is Pride In London."

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Media captionThousands attend Pride parade in London

A video message from Prime Minister Theresa May was also played in which she said the UK would challenge "governments that criminalise homosexuality or practice violence and discrimination" against LGBT people.

She added: "Here at home too, we must continue to stand up for true equality and respect for everyone, right across our United Kingdom.

"We must stamp out homophobic bullying in schools, and drive down homophobic and transphobic hate crime."

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Hundreds of organisations lined up to join the parade

A number of stores and tube stations in London have been decorated with signs and posters using the colours of the LGBT flag.

The Parliament building will also be lit up at night in the Pride colours as part of the celebrations.

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